Every two years, the State of the Region Report provides a trusted and unique perspective on Ventura County life. Register for this free event to hear these community leaders discuss the data in the State of the Region Report and their perspectives on life in Ventura County.
Discuss the needs to find the talent necessary to keep up with the demand of Ventura County’s manufacturing industry and the resources available to help.
Looking Ahead During Extraordinary Times
2022 Ventura County Economic Forecast
NEW DATE: Tues. March 8 | 8:30 AM
This premier networking and forecast event will include an in-depth analysis of the county’s economic performance and an assessment of its economic and demographic future, plus detailed analysis and forecasts for the U.S. and California economies.
In-person – LEARN MORE
Check out the student startups, and vote for your favorite ideas
In person on Cal Lutheran’s campus – May 4
Cal Lutheran’s New Venture Fair (NVF) is back in person! The NVF 2022 showcases 60 student-led startup projects, including those from Cal Lutheran’s undergraduate, graduate, and Executive MBA in Europe programs, in addition to high school teams from Oaks Christian School, Thousand Oaks High School, Bakersfield Christian High School, and primary school teams from Start-Up Kids and One Spark Academy.
The NVF is an expo-style event where each team furnishes its booth and demos its product. The community is invited to circulate the room, meet the teams, learn about their startup ideas, and vote for their favorites. Awards will be presented at the end of the evening.
YOU’RE INVITED
Meet the IdeaToDo startups
Tuesday, June 7 | 4:00 pm
Meet the founders, learn about their startups, and network with the startup community. Attend virtually or in person at Hub101.
Did you know that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has resources and programs for Veterans and the military community? If you are a transitioning or active-duty service member, National Guard or Reserve member, veteran of any era or military spouse, the SBA is here to help. Through training programs, contracting opportunities and access to capital, the SBA is here to help your business start, grow, expand or recover.
You can access the SBA’s Veteran resources through the Southern California Veteran’s Business Outreach Center! Join us on Tuesday, August 2 at 12:00pm to learn how to get started AND topics such as:
– Government Certifications
– Introduction to Government Contracting
– eCommerce 101 for Military Spouses
Ventura County Human Services Agency Veteran Services Office will host a Military and Veteran Job Fair and Expo on Saturday, August 20, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Ventura County Office of Education, 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo. This event is free for active-duty military, U.S. Veterans, military spouses, transitioning military, and members of the Guard and Reserve.
“This is the area’s largest Veteran job fair,” said Jim McHugh, Ventura County Veteran Services Officer, “and an ideal place to help Veterans find good paying jobs and to help businesses in need of leadership.”
The County of Ventura Human Resources Department will host a Job and Career Fair on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
The event and parking are free and open to the public. The Job and Career Fair will take place in the main courtyard of the Ventura County Government Center, between the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Justice.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about careers in administration and support, engineering, environmental protection, planning, agriculture, health care, law enforcement, public safety, public works, recreational services, technology, and much more.
SCORE’s Inspiring Women is a free live event to help you plan a social media strategy for your business. Whether just starting out, or struggling to generate business changing results, Social Media is a critical component of your overall marketing strategy.
Speakers and Topics:
Bridget Brady “Building Your Business with the Power of Social Media”
Social Media is ESSENTIAL to every business owner and entrepreneur.
Roughly 82% of all people are active on social media and that number continues to grow each day. These are potential clients and customers.
Whether just starting out or struggling to generate biz-changing results—Social Media is a critical component of your overall marketing strategy.
Join Bridget Brady to get fully informed on what it takes to create, launch, and implement a rock-solid strategy that cuts through the confusion and leads to social media and business success!
You’re invited to join the conversation with our keynote and panelists!
Limited spots remain. Register today!
WHOSE ATTENDING?
C-suite executives from some of the foremost experts on talent management from organizations such as Amgen, Dole, Metrolink, Jafra, Allogene, The Cheesecake Factory, Mercer, MannKind, Medtronic, Penny Mac, and other leading companies based in Southern California.
WHY ATTEND?
Hear the latest research from one of the world’s foremost scholars in the area of talent management
Discuss your talent management challenges and learn from others
Take-away solutions to your issues surrounding talent management
Gain a new perspective from academics and industry. What is the future?
Network with peers
September 2022 Edition: Showcasing the International Success of Hispanic-Owned and Led Businesses
Join U.S. Commercial Service for the eighth session of their “From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity” event series, as they feature a dynamic panel of Latino founders and leaders from Southern California-based companies, who will share how they have successfully grown their businesses internationally.
Learn about the opportunities to seek out, as well as the challenges to avoid as you launch or expand your international business.
Receive information and resources that will help you chart your path to global sales and expansion success.
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 @ 11:00 am
Location: Virtual (WEBEX)
Join 2nd Story Associates on Saturday, October 8th from 10 AM – 2 PM at De La Guerra Plaza for Housing Santa Barbara Day 2022.
This annual free public event is dedicated to connecting community members with local affordable housing non-profit agencies and service providers.
At the event, there will be 30+ community agencies and service providers, informative housing working shops, tenant and landlord resources, ADU resources, workforce housing information, music and entertainment, local food vendors and activities for kids and families.
Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Ventura College and Ventura College East Campus are holding free Cash 4 College workshops to help students apply for funds to help with college costs. Funds can be used for tuition, books, housing, transportation, childcare, computers and more.
In-person workshops are scheduled for Oct. 8 and 22. The workshops are free and open to the community; anyone may attend a workshop on either date and can drop in at any time during the events.
Mark your calendar and join us for our annual fundraiser!Our annual fundraiser this year will focus on the efforts to build access to food in the unincorporated community of Saticoy.
This year, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) is honoring 17 Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program graduates on October 17, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the Presidio Springs community room located at 721 Laguna Street.
The Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS) is a voluntary five (5) year program in which an Individual Training and Services Plan is developed with each participant to design a clear path of specific goals and objectives in order to achieve living wage employment and gain economic self-sufficiency. It is available to families who are part of the Section 8 Housing program.
Join U.S. Commercial Service for the ninth session of their “From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity” event series, as they feature a dynamic panel of founders and leaders from Southern California-based companies, fostering disability inclusion and equity, who will share how they have successfully grown their businesses internationally.
Learn about the opportunities to seek out, as well as the challenges to avoid as you launch or expand your international business.
Receive information and resources that will help you chart your path to global sales and expansion success.
Registration for the 2022 California Economic Summit taking place in Bakersfield on October 27-28 is now open!
Available in-person or virtual attendance
Produced by California Forward in partnership with the California Stewardship Network, the Summit influences CA FWD’s ongoing movement to make the government and economy work for everyone. The two-day Summit is designed to create a shared economic agenda known as the Roadmap to Shared Prosperity and strengthen the Summit network, setting the stage for collective action in 2023.
oin Trekking Ambassadors for their 5k Fun-draising Trail run-hike on November 5th, 2022 to support local Santa Barbara Organizations on their mission to deliver critically needed solar lights and reading eyeglasses to remote villagers in the Mount Everest region!
This 5k trail run-hike is set in the beautiful foothills of Santa Barbara following the San Antonio Creek Trail which meanders up a fast, well shaded trail for a big portion of the course. Great for first timers and fun for those with experience that want to challenge their PR on a 5k.
The EDC SBDC call team and experienced advisors are available to answer questions and help you navigate today’s complex business environment. The Economic Development Collaborative hosts the Small Business Development Center and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Signing up as a client takes just a few minutes and provides you with lifetime access to all of our no-cost services.
Sports Management presents its inaugural “Sustainable Goals Development Competition.”
Friday, December 9 | 5:00 pm | In Person
Join us in person as three teams battle to become number one in the first-ever Sports Management Sustainable Goals Development Competition. The teams will be judged by three sports professionals with exceptional experiences from notable companies like the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Kings, and the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission.
Dear Friend of the Museum,
If you have already made a contribution to the Museum of Ventura County –
THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your support!
If you haven’t, please consider that a gift can help us serve this community with:
Virtual and in-person school tours
Free events
Virtual and in-person discussions and interviews
Historical articles, lectures and videos
Exhibits
Support programs
Free admission to both sites
and much much more!
You’re the reason we are looking so merry and bright!
Thank you all for supporting contemporary art and the artists whose passion compels them to create. It is you who challenges our team to bring our best selves in service to our visitors and our community.
We were inspired by so many enthusiastic visitors and supportive collaborators this year. Looking back brings as much wonder as it does gratification. Just take a look at our very first Earth Day Mural – it still takes our breath away!
The team at Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) is working on some truly fantastic exhibitions, events, travel, and educational programs for 2022. MCASB prioritizes accessibility for all, and maintains a steadfast commitment to free admission.
Please consider a year-end donation, which allows us to continue to bring you awe-inspiring, thought-provoking, and beautiful encounters with the art of our time. Our work is only possible because of your support.
Sales and Use Tax Exclusion (STE) Program, from the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority, excludes from sales and use taxes purchases of Qualified Property:
if its use is either to process Recycled feedstock or using Recycled feedstock in the production of another product or soil amendment, or
that is used in an Advanced Manufacturing process, or
that is used to manufacture Alternative Source products or Advanced Transportation Technologies.
Eligible manufacturers planning to construct a new manufacturing facility or expand or upgrade a currently existing manufacturing facility may apply to CAEATFA for an STE award, and if approved, the purchases of Qualified Property for the project are not subject to state and local sales and use tax.
Since last August, approximately 1,800 Santa Barbara City College students have received a form of debt relief, and an opportunity to pursue and complete their educational goals, thanks to SBCC’s Fresh Start Initiative and the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).
HEERF funds were allocated to institutions to support students with immediate needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. One way that SBCC met those needs was by creating the Fresh Start Initiative, allocating $1 million to go directly to students with outstanding balances. Through the initiative, students enrolled in Spring 2020 through Spring 2021 terms impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic were provided with funds to pay off their entire outstanding balance. In addition, students who left SBCC prior to the pandemic who are attempting to re-enroll – and find themselves challenged by COVID-19 related circumstances and restricted from registration due to a pre-pandemic balance – were also provided with Fresh Start monies.
80-year-old Sylvia Johnson has lived in her Paso Robles home for 27 years after building it from the ground up alongside her husband after her two children had flown the nest. Tragically, Sylvia’s husband passed away unexpectedly at the age of 55 before the house was finished, leaving Sylvia to continue the build alone. “I was in there every day it was being built,” remembers Sylvia, “and because of losing my husband during that time my home is more special to me than anything.”
When it came to refinancing her home in September of this year, Sylvia felt a little nervous about the process and dreaded reading all the paperwork. When she spoke on the phone with Gaby, VCCDC’s Homeownership Specialist, her fears melted away.
The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its November 2021 report on Friday the 17th, revealing a strong three-month trend of improvements in Ventura County’s unemployment rate, now at 4.4%, down from 5.0% in October. Also showing some positive movement, employment gains were a bit more widely distributed than in prior months, though up in only six of the twelve major subsectors.
What’s a bit more disappointing, however, is the lackluster showing in holiday Retail hiring. While Retail gained 900 jobs in November, we’re actually showing 300 fewer Retail jobs this November than last and we’re off by 3,600 jobs since November 2019. None of this is surprising given the movement to on-line purchasing, but it’s worth reminding that the loss of these temporary holiday jobs has taken a ton of work experience opportunities away from young workers and has reduced opportunity for a boost in family incomes during the holidays. For more commentary on the data, see below; for the monthly detail, the LMID release is here.
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our partner’s no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
Each year, our tradition has been to brighten the season with a heartfelt craft for you and your loved ones to make together.
This year’s card represents some of the 5,000+ people who call People’s Self-Help Housing home.
Please enjoy, and thank you for all your support!
More than 52,000 Ventura County homeowners may have an extra $70 in their pocket this year, just by filling out a simple form. This week, the Ventura County Assessor mailed Homeowners’ Exemption Claim Forms to over 52,000 homeowners that likely qualify for this property tax break.
The Assessor typically mails a Homeowners’ Exemption Claim to new owners. However, in the busy paperwork shuffle of buying a new home, many property owners miss out on this valuable opportunity. In an effort to maximize property tax savings, the Assessor periodically reaches out to potentially eligible homeowners.
The Holiday Season is here! The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) would like to share some ways small businesses can boost their sales during the holidays and ways you can support local businesses this year.
3 Top Ways to Help Boost Your Small Business Holiday Sales
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
On July 27, 2021, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new masking guidance for fully vaccinated individuals in substantial or high transmission areas. This information can be tracked HERE.
NEW California Department of Public Health:
On December 13, 2021, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated their Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings, requiring universal masking indoors, irrespective of vaccine status, statewide from December 15, 2021 to January 15, 2021.
Earlier this month, I celebrated my seventh anniversary with United Way of Ventura County.
Since I started in 2014, our organization has navigated many changes. We moved to a new office in Ventura, took on multiple disaster response and recovery efforts, developed a program to house the homeless in our community, and now we’re helping our neighbors through the pandemic.
Through it all, we’ve remained remarkably resilient. But the source of our resilience is people like you, who care so deeply about your fellow community members. Your generosity and caring inspire us throughout the year.
It’s truly an honor to lead this incredible team, to serve those in need, and to help improve the conditions for all in community. We strive to lead with compassion and unity, rather than division. It’s the United Way.
The Housing Authority City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) is pleased to announce that the ground breaking ceremony for Vera Cruz Village, at 116 East Cota Street, will take place on Wednesday, December 15th at 10 a.m. HACSB officials, Mayor Cathy Murrillo, Alejandra Gutierrez, Santa Barbara 1st District City Council Member, Oscar Gutierrez, Santa Barbara 3rd District City Council Member, a representative forCongressman Salud Carbajal and other dignitaries will be onsite with shovels in hand to participate in the official ceremonial launch of the project. Vera Cruz Village represents the HACSB’s latest affordable housing project designated for special needs and homeless individuals in the community. People experiencing homelessness have high rates of chronic mental and physical health conditions, co- occurring disorders, and barriers to receiving health care. Santa Barbara continues to grapple with adequately addressing this issue. The most recent Point-in-Time count completed in January 2020 found 1,897 homeless residents countywide, with 914 (48%) living in the City of Santa Barbara. The chronically homeless in the county rose from 423 to 614, a 45% increase (Santa Barbara County Point in Time Count 2020).
The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) and Grant Program (CCGP) are available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size, or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on twelve different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region.
Application Period Timeline: For the remainder of the fiscal year 2021-2022, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during the following periods:
January 3, 2022 – January 24, 2022
March 7, 2022 – March 28, 2022
The CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Foundation Board is welcoming two new members with a wealth of experience in banking and community investment opportunities.
The two new members are New Capital LLC Chief Executive Officer Beatriz Olvera Stotzer of Los Angeles and Montecito Bank & Trust Senior Vice President and Director of Community Banking Cari Shore of Ojai.
Interim President Richard Yao, Ph.D., said he is excited to welcome two such accomplished leaders in the community and looks forward to working with them both.
“We are fortunate to have these two innovative and entrepreneurial women join our board,” Yao said. “They not only bring incredible talent, experience and thought leadership to the Foundation, but also are deeply connected in our region and are committed to our mission as a University and to the work of the Foundation Board.”
Local PODS Moving and Storage will once again support Food Share Ventura County’s CAN-tree event December 9-12 at Figueroa Plaza – Downtown Ventura. This year marks a special 10-year anniversary celebration.
“We’re proud to partner with Food Share for this annual event to help stock the food bank shelves with the extra canned food donations needed to help families through the holidays,” said Steve Yapp, owner of local PODS Moving and Storage. “Food Share helps thousands of food insecure families every holiday season, and we consider it an honor to be able to support their cause.”
PODS local have been supporting Food Share CAN-tree event programs since its origination in 2011. Each year, the community gathers to build a “forest” of can trees built from donated food that will soon be distributed to families for the holidays.
The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our partner’s no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!
Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that registration for Spring 2022 will be open to everyone in the community beginning Tuesday, Dec. 7. Whether the goal is to earn an associate degree, transfer to a four-year university, or enroll in the School of Extended Learning for life enrichment classes, career skills training, a high school diploma or GED, SBCC is committed to help people from all walks of life succeed.
Students can choose from classes that are offered online or in a face-to-face or hybrid format. The Luria Library and the Cartwright Learning Resources Center will also be offering services in-person and online, as will all Student Services.
Following more than 20 years of strong philanthropic partnership, the Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Foundation has generously donated $10.5 million to the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics (MVS) at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI). Ventura County philanthropist and real estate developer Martin V. “Bud” Smith and his wife Martha created the Foundation to support community organizations.
The transformational gift brings the total contributed to CSUCI to more than $19 million since the family’s first donation in 1999, making them the University’s largest donor.
Just over $3.5 million will be used to complete the renovation of the MVS School’s new home, located in the campus’ former Manzanita Hall, and the refurbishment of an adjacent courtyard. The new space will be named “Martin V. Smith Hall” in honor of Bud Smith, and the courtyard will be named the “Martha K. Smith Courtyard” after Smith’s wife. The remaining $7 million will be used to create a new endowment for the MVS School to enhance the quality of the educational programming and experience for its students and faculty.
The Southeast Ventura County YMCA received a $70,000 grant from POOLCORP to help fund the Y’s Safety Around Water (SAW) program and current and future lifeguard training.
POOLCORP made the donation at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village on November 22.
In response to COVID-19, small business owners, including agricultural businesses, and nonprofit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories can apply for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (COVID-19 EIDL). The loan is directly from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) that must be repaid; low-interest, fixed-rate, long-term loan to help overcome the effects of the pandemic by providing working capital to meet operating expenses. Click here to learn more.
Your donations help our efforts to support our students, provide scholarships to high-school seniors to continue their education, and to attract more teachers of color into the field of education and leadership positions.
The California Venues Grant Program will support eligible independent live events venues that have been affected by COVID-19 in order to support their continued operation. Eligible independent live events venues must have a physical address and operate in California, which will be validated through submitted business tax returns. If your business tax returns do not reference a California address, you will be deemed ineligible. For more information on how to apply CLICK HERE.
Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced today a $1 million investment by Bank of the Sierra into the nonprofit’s Everyone Deserves a Home Revolving Loan Fund. This community impact note will be pooled with funds from investors, both public and private, to provide flexible, below-market interest rate loans in support of building safe and equitable homes in diverse neighborhoods, that positively impact people’s lives in Ventura County. Additionally, investors earn a modest financial return on their investment.
The California Venues Grant Program will support eligible independent live events venues that have been affected by COVID-19 in order to support their continued operation. Eligible independent live events venues must have a physical address and operate in California, which will be validated through submitted business tax returns. If your business tax returns do not reference a California address, you will be deemed ineligible. For more information on how to apply CLICK HERE.
You can help us reach our $10,000 goal by the end of day today
by donating if you haven’t already or forwarding this email!
As a nonprofit, Friendship Center depends on the generosity of our friends and our community to continue the tradition of being a place where our members come to be surrounded by their peers, who share common threads in their life stories, and warm, loving staff who take an interest in each unique person, and finding what sparks JOY for them.
Please join us in this effort as we embrace the greater demands of providing safe, loving care to our community of members in the wake of the pandemic. Your financial gift goes a long way in making a difference for elders in our community experiencing dementia and other cognitive and physical challenges, and we thank you for contributing to their quality of life in this meaningful way.
